The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at strengthening digital safety across businesses, public institutions, and residents, in a move to reinforce its ambition of becoming a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.
The newly released framework comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy. According to estimates by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the country loses over $500 million annually—equivalent to about ₦250 billion—to cybercrime. The Lagos State Government said the development underscores the urgency for coordinated and robust cybersecurity measures, particularly as Lagos continues to position itself as Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystem.
Announcing the guidelines, the government stated that the document represents “a strategic framework designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents,” while acknowledging that the state’s rapid digital transformation also exposes it to heightened cyber risks. “This development represents another decisive step in Lagos’ mission to become a SMART, secure, and globally competitive digital hub,” the statement read.
The guidelines, which are publicly accessible via the official Lagos State portal, provide practical and scalable cybersecurity best practices tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. They are aligned with key national legal and policy frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy. The government emphasized that the recommendations are not regulatory mandates but are intended as actionable tools to guide stakeholders in strengthening their cybersecurity posture.
Reaffirming its broader vision, the Lagos State Government said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to build a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and fosters public trust. The statement highlighted that as Lagos evolves into a smart city, cybersecurity must remain a foundational pillar of its development strategy.
The government also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Professor Fene Osakwe, for providing strategic direction and technical expertise in developing the framework. It further acknowledged the role of the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Tubosun Alake, whose leadership and support were described as instrumental to the initiative’s success.
In the statement signed by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government reiterated its commitment to continuous improvement of the guidelines in response to emerging threats and evolving technologies. “A cybersecure Lagos is essential for sustaining its position as one of the most dynamic and globally competitive tech hubs of the 21st century,” the statement noted.
